The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1887-12-24

personnel was not until SATURDAY. LII
many Instances Senators positively de-
clined to serve Oh the committees to
which they were assigned. They all
have their preferences, and each has
good reason for asking to be put on a
certain committee. The committee on
Claims especially seemed to be Stunned
the most. The bills referred to that
committee are not only numerous but
each requires much time in its inyesti-
CATION and the Senators are pestered be-
yond endurance by the numerous per-
sons interested in each claim. In the
House, not even the committee on rules
has been announced up to Saturday, and
that is usually the first committee ap-
pointed, for the reason, that it submits
every session the rules which shall con-
troll all business from the first. There
may be important changes in the rules
of this session, as compared with those
of previous sessions with the view of
depriving the chairman of the several
committees, of the arbitrary power,
which they have exercised in the past.
1t is also thought that the changes are
directed against the power OF Mr.. Ran
dali as chairman of the committee on
appropriations. Some Of the members
are very violent in their denunciation
of the Pennsylvania prOtectionist, and
want him deprived OF his fayOrite chair
manship, but the majority of them are
willing and really prefer that he be per
mitted to retain that position, il only
shOrn of some of his power. The Men,
bers have spent most of their time this
week at the Department and have availed
themselves of the opportunity to do a
good weeks work in Departmental bust
ness for their constituents.
The White House has received its share
of callers and the congratulations to the
President have been many by the Repre-
sentatives in Congress assembled. 1t
is known that the President has received
many assurances. of hearty support from
potent public men for his denomination.
The Republicans cOncede that Cleveland
will be the next nominee and that they
must work actively from this time on
il they are to expect to defeat him.
The past week the National Republican
Committee held their meeting and after
several days session, during which the
political situation was discussed in all
its phases, decided to again hold the
Nominating Convention in Chicago. Du-
ring the sessions the new club house of
the League. on one of the most prOmi-
nent corners in the most aristOcratic
section Of the city was thronged with
Republican members. and Senators, and
delegates and their friends, and on Fri
day night the place was brilliantly illu-
minated till the wee sma' hours of the
morning. After the adjournment the
conviction among Republicans and Demo-
Gratis seemed to be that Blaine would be
the nominee. His friends on the Commit
tee, without an exception all favored
Chicago. The Democrats are satisfied and
say that they would rather have Blaine
for Cleveland to run against than any
other man. Speaking of Blaine and
Cleveland reminds me that Oh last Sat-
urday Rum, Romanism and Rebellion"
Burchard called on the President. His
excellency grasped him heartily by
the hand and with emphasis said: II am
very glad to see you, Mr.. Burchard,"
which caused hearty laugh throughout
the large assembly present. The Rever-
end gentleman is here attending the
Evangelical Christian Alliance Conyen-
ton, which has been in session here for
the past week. There were as many as
1000 strangers from all parts of the
country attending the Convention and
the crowds at the several sessions were
so large that overflow meetings had to
be held in the adjacent churches.
Such convention Of Christian people
was never beheld in this country before
and judging from the feelings manifested
at the sessions. there will be a greater
harmony in thought and concert of ac-
ton among the Christian organizations
Of all denominations to work for the ac-
cOmplishments OF one common end than
has ever bppn known in fba b;oforx, of o,,,